Illness & College Worries

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi, I am Cathy. I have quite a unique situation and I am hoping you all can help me out regarding college admissions. I have had multiple medical illnesses over the course of my life, but especially in the last year or so. Sophomore year was the worst for me and I ended up missing a few months of school due to a cardiac condition that developed and was hard to diagnose. My doctor actually recommended I get homeschooling but enjoyed the classroom atmosphere so that was not an option for me. I had a 4.0 average for freshman and sophomore year up until the point I got sick. I am currently a junior in a fairly prestigious small all-girls prep school and I am just wondering how my illnesses absences could impact my college admissions process.
notes:
1) I was doing pretty well this year, I recently got a little run-down but I am taking new medicines, feeling a little better and hoping it won't hurt the remainder of my junior year. However, myself and my doctors are confident that I would be able to handle a challenging college environment if I take the proper precautions.
2) I do have extended time on tests because of my medical conditions and I have learning disabilities ect.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Acting: 5 plays/musicals (so far); leading roles
Singing: Capella nova singing group; Madrigals (higher level singing group); Jazz Chorus
Volunteering: 50 hours approx.; mostly from a nature center where I help care for animal and educate people on how not to harm environment<br>
SADD club: Co-President since Sophomore Year</p>

<p>No SAT/ACT yet.</p>

<p>AP:
AP World: 5 Sophomore year ( I took this while I was sick and had missed over 2 months of the AP world class)</p>

<p>Grades this Year:
Advanced Algebra 2/Trig.....-A
English.....-A
Social Justice.....A
Physics Honors.....A
Latin 3.......A
AP US......A</p>

<p>My school does not have an A+ anymore (they did last year, an A must be a 95 or above). Also, my school only offers 8 AP courses, I was eligible for AP english but the school would not let me take it because they said it would be too much for me with my medical history. They did not even let me take AP US at first but I was SUPER bored and it took me a month and over 6 doctor letters for them to allow me to take the corse. Also, the school is writing a letter about me to colleges next year and will mentions my sickness in it. </p>

<p>Thanks for any help.</p>

2

<p>Oh and sorry, I forgot to post this. I know I have a 4.00 because I am in the honors in my school which has a 4.00 as the prerequisite. However, our school does not have GPA’s (even though they have honors driven by them) and they do not rank students (small school thing?)</p>

<p>Sorry, also I hope this was the right place to post this.</p>

3

<p>Your list needs to include schools where you can get the ongoing medical support you need. You may want to start with your doctor and talk about what your medical considerations for a college should be: avoid high altitude? avoid cold? near major medical center?</p>

<p>It is your choice to disclose or not disclose your medical history during the admissions process. It sounds like the gap in your transcript will make it necessary, but you will want to review with your school and make sure you are comfortable with the amount of personal background they are providing.</p>

4

<p>Thanks so much!
I need to be near a medical center, actually the center that I am treated at sometimes is CHOP in Phili… I would love to go to U Penn because it is literally a walk away but I don’t know if I would get in. Another plus for that school is that it is only a few hour away from home…
Anyway thanks so much for your recommendations. They were very helpful.</p>